Introduction

Corn is a popular crop around the world, and many people cultivate it for various reasons, such as for food and animal feed. To grow healthy corn, it is essential to know how often to water it. In this article, we will discuss how often you need to water corn plants to ensure maximum growth and yield.

Factors that Affect How Often to Water Corn Plants

Several factors can affect how often you need to water corn plants, such as:

Soil type: the type of soil you use for cultivating corn will determine how often the plants need to be watered. For instance, sandy soils drain faster than clay soils, meaning that they require more frequent watering than clay soils.

Weather conditions: the weather plays a significant role in determining how often to water corn plants. During hot and dry weather, plants require more water than during cold and damp seasons.

Planting density: the number of plants per unit area can affect how often to water corn plants. When plants are closely spaced, they tend to compete for available water, which may require the soil to be moistened more often.

Stage of growth: the stage of growth also affects how often to water corn plants. For instance, young plants require more water than mature ones, while flowering plants require more water than vegetative ones.

How Often to Water Corn Plants Depending on the Stage of Growth

The frequency of watering corn plants depends on the growth stage of the plant. Below are the different corn growth stages and how often you should water:

Germination Stage

During the germination stage, corn plants need to be kept moist but not soaked. The following watering schedule is recommended:

Water daily or every two days in hot weather.

Water every three days in mild weather.

Vegatative Stage

During the vegetative stage, corn plants require more water than during the germination stage because they have a larger root system that needs to be moistened. The following watering schedule is recommended:

Water every three to five days in hot weather.

Water every five to seven days in mild weather.

Reproductive Stage

During the reproductive stage, corn plants require more water than during the vegetative stage because this is when they form tassels and silks, which need to be moistened. The following watering schedule is recommended:

Water every two to three days in hot weather.

Water every three to five days in mild weather.

Signs That Corn Plants Require Watering

It is essential to monitor corn plants for signs that they require watering. Below are the typical signs:

The leaves become wilted.

The lower leaves turn yellow.

Flower shed occurs.

Stunted growth.

Conclusion

Watering corn plants is a critical aspect of growing the crop. You should water the plants depending on their stage of growth, soil type, weather conditions, and planting density. Overwatering or underwatering the plants can be detrimental to their growth and yield. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the plants regularly for signs that they require watering.